Trump:

We’re not talking about tariffs on Russia because we’re not doing business with them.

Trump:

If talks with Iran aren’t successful, I think Iran will be in great danger.

Trump says he is “unhappy” that the Russians are “bombing like crazy” in Ukraine.

Trump:

I told Israel that if they have a problem with Türkiye, I think I can work it out.

Trump:

I have a great relationship with a man named Erdogan — I like him, he likes me, and that drives the media crazy.

Trump:

I have a very, very good relationship with Türkiye and its leader. Congratulations to Türkiye.

I told Erdogan, “You did what no one has done in 2,000 years — you took control of Syria.”

He’s truly tough and very smart. He did what no one else could.

Trump to Netenyahu:

If you ever have an issue with Türkiye, I can help resolve it — but you need to be reasonable.

Trump:

I have a great relationship with a man named Erdogan — I like him, he likes me, and that drives the media crazy.

We have never had a problem and we have gone through a lot.

I told the Prime Minister (Netanyahu), if you have a problem with Türkiye, I think I can work that out. You know I have a very good relationship with Türkiye and with their leader.

I think we will be able to work it out, I don't think that is going to be a problem.

I told Erdogan, “You did what no one has done in 2,000 years — you took control of Syria.” He has taken it over through surrogates.

He is a very tough guy and he is very smart. He did something nobody was able to do and you got to hand it to him.

(To Netanyahu) Any problem you have with Türkiye I think I can solve it as long as you are reasonable. I think you have to be reasonable.

Trump:

I said to him (Erdogan) “You did what no one has done in 2,000 years — you took control of Syria. With different names but same thing.”

“No no no, It was not me, I said it was you! Yeah maybe it sort of was me.”

China says it will not bow to Trump's new tariff threats.

Microsoft has fired Moroccan engineers Ibtihal Aboussad and Indian Vaniya Agrawal after they protested the company's provision of artificial intelligence technology to the Israeli military.

Syria has recalled ambassadors from Russia and Saudi Arabia as part of new diplomatic reshuffle.

Chargé d’affaires will manage both embassies until new appointments are made by President Al Shaara.

Notable: Trump and Netanyahu made no announcement on lifting or reducing the 17% tariffs on Israeli goods — despite Netanyahu’s hopes to resolve the issue during their meeting.

Trump said he wasn’t “sure” about it, then mentioned US giving Israel $4 billion aid annually.

Three Iranian officials say Iran and the U.S. plan to hold indirect talks in Oman on Saturday. Tehran signaled openness to direct talks if the first round goes well — a notable shift in stance.

Source: Farnaz Fassihi

📸 Chinese Embassy in the U.S.

Rumeysa Öztürk trial in the US: Federal judge asks for additional evidence

Regarding the detainment of Rumeysa Öztürk, a doctoral candidate apprehended in the United States for her advocacy of Palestine, the Federal District Judge has requested supplementary evidence from all parties to proceed with the trial.

Judge Sessions of the Vermont District Court presided over the first hearing in the matter of Öztürk, considering legal arguments from opposing counsel. The defendant, having been taken into custody in Massachusetts, was moved to Louisiana on March 25.

In accordance with the decision of the federal judge in Massachusetts, Rumeysa Öztürk, who had been held in Louisiana for two weeks before being transferred to Vermont for its closer proximity to her home, did not attend the initial hearing.

Following consideration of arguments from both parties, Federal Judge William Sessions acknowledged the case's unique circumstances and recommended further documentary and informational discovery.

BIG IF TRUE:

It has been reported that the Taliban have transferred control of Bagram Air Base to the United States. The reports cite visits by U.S. C-17 aircraft carrying military supplies and senior intelligence officials, including the deputy director of the CIA.

However, these reports have not been officially confirmed.

A string of allegations:

Amu TV cited three authoritative sources, including a Taliban official from Kandahar, in reporting a meeting between Sirajuddin Haqqani and U.S. delegations during his recent trip to the UAE.

The Taliban recently withdrew from Bagram Air Base after receiving payments from the US government. Shortly thereafter, a large number of US C-17 aircraft with military vehicles arrived at the base, indicating a possible US move to reassert control over Bagram.

Sources: Zark Shabab, Micheal Bond, AMU Tv, Khamaa Press

Trump announces record-breaking $1 trillion Pentagon budget:

"$1 trillion, and nobody's seen anything like it. We have to build our military and we're very cost conscious. But the military is something that we have to build, and we have to be strong, because you got a lot of bad forces out there now."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks. It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court.

China Vows to ‘Fight to the End’ Over U.S. Tariff Threat

China pledged to “fight to the end” after President Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, potentially raising total U.S. duties to over 100%.

“The U.S. threat is a mistake on top of a mistake,” said China’s Ministry of Commerce.

“If the U.S. insists on going its own way, China will fight to the end.”

Beijing has already imposed a 34% retaliatory tariff, and warned it will not yield to what it called U.S. “blackmail.”

Elon Musk Urges Trump to Drop China Tariffs

Tesla CEO Elon Musk personally urged President Trump to reverse new tariffs on Chinese imports, including a proposed 50% duty.

Despite Musk’s appeals, confirmed by multiple sources, Trump has not backed down.

Musk also voiced opposition publicly, sharing a video of Milton Friedman to promote free trade.

“Tariffs hurt U.S. businesses more than China,” said Musk ally Joe Lonsdale, echoing concerns from other tech leaders.

The standoff signals a rare rift between Trump and Musk, a major backer who contributed nearly $290 million to GOP campaigns in the last election.